Rating: 
Summary: This is how Maxim reacts to those who dont like his books:
Review: "John R. Maxim" wrote:I know I shouldn't bother, but I'm having a slow day. So, let's see. What can I deduce about you? You're mean-spirited dick head. That much is clear. You're negative, opinionated, self-important, a boor and probably a coward. Therefore, you're certainly unpopular, ridiculed by those who know you, and your sex life must be almost non-existant. You live a life that's devoid of grace, good manners, or any worthwhile accomplishment. The latter would explain why you feel the need to tear down what everyone else has praised. How am I doing? No, don't tell me. If I see a reply, I'll delete it unread. I'd be willing to bet that almost everyone who knows you wishes that they had a button they could press that would make you shut up and go away. JRM
Rating: 
Summary: Not sure it deserves a good recommendation
Review: Amazon's book recommendations suggested I read this and I am not so sure I can replicate the logic that those who shared my previous preferences liked this book. Okay, that sounded very convoluted, but that may describe some of my frustrations with Maxim's story. I was curious about the venue of Martha's Vineyard and toward the end I did find myself anxiously turning pages. Maybe that was to bring it to a merciful ending. Still I have reservations about a very positive review. For example, I did suggest it to someone in the pharmaceutical industry, but with some trepidation. It seems to be an action/adventure, but the action was stilted and I think the adventure would have been just as forced if the hero had spoken dialogue as apposed to... Well I don't want to give that away in case you do choose to read this book. The bottom line is that I am always looking for additional authors whose books I will enjoy, but I don't think Mr Maxim is one.
Rating:
Summary: Not His Best, But Still Better Than Average
Review: As someone who has read and enjoyed "Mosaic" and "Time Out of Mind", I delved into "Shadow Box" with great anticipation. Alas for my expectations! Maxim seems to have been having a difficult time writing this novel. Most jarring of all are the "jumping tenses," by which I mean literally within the same sentence the verbs will change from present to past to future tense. Maybe this is some literary tool that's supposed to make the tale more suspenseful; I found it annoying. Also, some of the plot devices has the hero seemingly unusually thick-headed (I'm thinking, 'for Pete's sake, man, it's called a contact lense!') just so his heroine can be brilliant and explain the whole thing to him later. That being said, the relationships between the characters are extremely convincing and well-developed, the motivations behind the bad guys' actions are mysterious and revealed masterfully, and I also especially enjoyed the character of Moon (he should have his own book!). Maxim's worst is still better than the majority of books written in his chosen genre.
Rating:
Summary: Not His Best, But Still Better Than Average
Review: As someone who has read and enjoyed "Mosaic" and "Time Out of Mind", I delved into "Shadow Box" with great anticipation. Alas for my expectations! Maxim seems to have been having a difficult time writing this novel. Most jarring of all are the "jumping tenses," by which I mean literally within the same sentence the verbs will change from present to past to future tense. Maybe this is some literary tool that's supposed to make the tale more suspenseful; I found it annoying. Also, some of the plot devices has the hero seemingly unusually thick-headed (I'm thinking, 'for Pete's sake, man, it's called a contact lense!') just so his heroine can be brilliant and explain the whole thing to him later. That being said, the relationships between the characters are extremely convincing and well-developed, the motivations behind the bad guys' actions are mysterious and revealed masterfully, and I also especially enjoyed the character of Moon (he should have his own book!). Maxim's worst is still better than the majority of books written in his chosen genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Sleeper of the year
Review: Best cure for insomnia ever invented. I've never read a book I wanted to finish so badly. Not only was the overall plot confusing and boring but the ending will keep you laughing if you're still awake. I will never waste my money on a Maxim book again.
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable
Review: Excellent read. New, surprising, page turner. More mature than his "Bannerman" series.
Rating:
Summary: Started with potential, yet falls just short of terrible
Review: Gets you right into the story then takes you on a free ride so bad that you'd demand money back anyways. Confusing, way too many characters, and the EXTREMELY cheesy love story makes you wonder if John Maxim's wife snuck in a few chapters.
Rating:
Summary: Can't wait for the film. (Hint..Hint)
Review: Great beach reading. Likeable characters and well written
Rating:
Summary: Maxim Does It Again!
Review: I have read everything I can lay my hands on from John Maxim, and some of them (especially the Bannerman series and Time Out of Mind) twice--or more. This one both kept me on the edge of my seat and made my hand shake when I took my prescriptions at night! Buy anything you can get of Maxim's--he's a great writer, and you can't go wrong! John and Lou, if you're reading this--WE WANT MORE BANNERMAN!
Rating: 
Summary: Gripping, suspenseful and entertaining
Review: I would strongly recommend this book to fans of suspense fiction. It is compelling, dramatic and features some very interesting character, including one of the best, most loathsome villains I've encountered in a while. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Maxim books after this one!
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